"We've been in contact with Rob, and we've had some dialogue with him about a contract," Mayhew told local reporters at the NFL annual meetings at the Arizona Biltmore resort.

Sims came out and stated that the feeling is mutual about returning to the team.

"We would love to be back," Sims said in February, speaking about his wife. "We built a life here…. We want to be able to finish our work here that we started with this. We have businesses here. We've played good ball here.

"If (my career) stopped tomorrow, Detroit would have a huge place in my heart because of the things we've been able to do here. We would love to finish what we started."

The 31-year-old is entering his 10th season in the NFL, five of which have been with the Lions.

Fairley was deemed doubtful to play Sunday on the team's final injury report, while Warford had been ruled out for the Wild Card game. Travis Swanson will draw the start at guard in Warford's absence. The Lions had three players listed as probable to play and all are active.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said that Riley Reiff might start at right tackle next season.

Reiff has started 32 games at left tackle over the last two seasons. The Lions aren't sure that last year's right tackle LaAdrian Waddle will be fully recovered from knee surgery, and backup tackle Cornelius Lucas is better on the left side.

Stafford passed for 4,257 yards and attempted 602 passes in 2014 -- his first year under coach Jim Caldwell. While at the NFL owners' meetings in Phoenix this week, Caldwell said it's probably safe not to expect Stafford's numbers to change much in 2015.

"Here's the thing I want to make certain you guys understand, and see what I see just in terms of my vision," Caldwell said, per MLive.com. "When I tell you we're not going to throw the ball anymore than we threw it, that's a fact. We're probably not going to throw it (more).

"If we do throw it more, that means we're struggling, we're not winning, we're not a very good football team. OK? Plain and simple. Maybe that ball's got to be distributed a little bit differently, but I don't anticipate those numbers changing, overall, a significant amount."

The Lions' Stephen Tulloch will start at middle linebacker again once he returns from the torn ACL he suffered Week 3 last year, reports MLive.com. "He's highly experienced and highly productive," coach Jim Caldwell told the website. "And he's a great leader."

Tulloch, 30, is progressing well in his rehab, the report said, but it's unclear when he'll return. Tulloch had 135 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2013, his last full season.

Tahir Whitehead likely will fill in until Tulloch returns. Whitehead had 86 tackles and two interceptions last year.

Darren Keyton

News

The Lions have waived center Darren Keyton on Monday, per the team's official website. Keyton was added prior to Week 17 to add depth for Dominic Raiola, who was suspended for the final game of the season after stomping on Ego Ferguson's ankle in Week 16.

The Lions re-signed cornerback Rashean Mathis to a two-year, $3.5 million deal, reports Pro Football Talk. Mathis, 34, played in every game last season, recording 51 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.

Running back Reggie Bush (ankle, back) is listed as questionable for a third straight week. However, he told reporters he expects to play, according to MLive.com. Bush also said the same thing leading up to Week 12 before sitting out.

Mosley, 31, started eight of 15 game last season, and finished with 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He along with Ndamukong Suh anchored the defensive line and helped Detroit's unit finish No. 1 against the run, and No. 2 in overall defense.

The Lions have re-signed backup quarterback Kellen Moore to a two-year deal on Friday, per the Detroit Free Press. Moore completed 35 of 51 passes for 361 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason last year. The 25-year-old took a backseat to Matthew Stafford and did not see a regular-season snap in 2014.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said that Riley Reiff might start at right tackle next season.

Reiff has started 32 games at left tackle over the last two seasons. The Lions aren't sure that last year's right tackle LaAdrian Waddle will be fully recovered from knee surgery, and backup tackle Cornelius Lucas is better on the left side.

The Lions selected Swanson in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Arkansas.

“I know that nothing’s guaranteed,” Swanson told the Lions' official website. “As far as my mindset, that wasn’t something I was going to think about. Yes, that’s how it looks on paper, but you can’t be settled on that, especially early in the year.”

Swanson did get some playing time this year at right guard due to an in-season injury to Larry Warford. Swanson started at center in the regular-season finale against Green Bay after Raiola was suspended for stomping on Bears defensive lineman Ego Ferguson's leg.

Matt Prater

News

The Lions' contract with kicker Matt Prater is for two years and $4.55 million, with a team option for 2017, reports the Detroit Free Press. Prater, 30, hit 21 of 26 field goals and all 21 of his PATs last season.

Joique Bell

News

With Reggie Bush banged up for a good portion of the 2014 season, the Lions leaned on running back Joique Bell to pace the rushing attack, as he finished with a team-high 860 rushing yards.

“I think we worked well together,” Bell told the team's official website of his relationship with Bush. “I think we proved our tandem our first season playing together when we made history. But I’m definitely ready to handle whatever the team needs me to do."

Bell, who has totaled 15 rushing touchdowns the last two seasons, had his best year as a pro in '14 and showed the football world he could handle a job as a feature back in the NFL.

“I think it was more so for the front office and for coaches to see that I could handle that,” he said. “It wasn’t for me as a player. I know what I can and can’t handle as a player. As far as me carrying the load, I know what I can and can’t do.

“I always knew I had the ability. It was just about getting the opportunity. I didn’t know when that opportunity would come. I just had to be patient and wait."

Cassius Vaughn

News

The Lions will have their probable players Week 6 against the Vikings.

The Lions are currently discussing a contract with Ndamukong Suh and Mayhew said the team needs to concentrate on getting that deal done before any other moves can be made.

"[A long-term extension for Levy] may make sense, it may not," Mayhew said. "I'm not opposed to it. I obviously want him to be here a long time, but, you know, we obviously have some other big fish in the pan right now."

Levy will be a free agent after the 2015 season and Mayhew said he wants to keep Levy with the Lions.

"He's been outstanding, should have been in the Pro Bowl," Mayhew said. "He's one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL, without question. You want to keep guys like that."

Rodney Austin

News

Only two injured players dot the inactive list released Sunday by the Lions for their clash against Chicago. They are defensive tackle Nick Fairley (knee) and cornerback Mohammed Seisay (hamstring).

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said that Riley Reiff might start at right tackle next season.

Reiff has started 32 games at left tackle over the last two seasons. The Lions aren't sure that last year's right tackle LaAdrian Waddle will be fully recovered from knee surgery, and backup tackle Cornelius Lucas is better on the left side.

"I like playing, and wherever they want to put me, that's fine. I'll play," he said.

Taylor Boggs

News

The Friday injury report issued by the Bears for their Week 6 game at Atlanta is headlined by the thumbs-down given to linebackers Lance Briggs (ribs) and Shea McClellin (hand). But they are not the only Chicago players ruled out.

The Lions might not have running back Joique Bell for Sunday's key game at Green Bay, reports MLive.com. Bell has been limited in practice this week with an Achilles injury, and coach Jim Caldwell said only, "We'll see," when asked about Bell's status.

Bell leads Detroit with 800 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns. He's averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry in four straight games, scoring five times in that span. If he can't play, Reggie Bush would start and Theo Riddick and George Winn would get increased snaps, the report said.

Detroit is a 7.5-point underdog in the game that will decide the division title.

Haloti Ngata

News

With Reggie Bush likely out of the picture, new Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said in an interview on WXYT-FM in Detroit that he'd be open to having former teammate Ray Rice join him in Detroit.

"I've never hung out with him off-field, but he’s a great guy," Ngata said. "He's a great guy on the field, in the locker room. He's a great community guy. He does a lot for the community, and so of course I think he would be a great addition to this team. I love playing with him, I trusted him. You feel bad for his situation. You just hope nothing but the best for him."

Rice was suspended indefinitely by the league due to an altercation with his then-fiancee. An arbitrator overturned that suspension, and he reportedly received $1.6 million in wrongful termination case after he was released by the Ravens. The 28-year-old spent his first six years with the Ravens, and produced four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons before running for 660 yards and averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry in 2013.

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell, still upset about the pass-interference flag officials picked up in the fourth quarter of Sunday's playoff loss at Dallas, suggested video replay be used on critical calls like that one, reports the Columbus Dispatch.

"I think, without question, it was probably not officiated correctly in my estimation,” Caldwell said Monday. "Nevertheless, I do think in this day and age, with modern times where we have technology that can take out the human factor in certain key situations in big games, that we should use that technology to do so."

Detroit led 20-17 and had third-and-1 at the Cowboys' 46-yard line when linebacker Anthony Hitchens was called for pass interference against tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Officials reversed themselves and picked up the flag, prompting a Lions punt. Sam Martin shanked it, the Cowboys drove for a touchdown and held on to win 24-20.

"I'm angry about it, and trying to keep my composure here, but I'm probably angry for our team, and the fans," Caldwell said. "That's the thing that stirs your blood."

Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president for officiating, said Hitchens should have been penalized for defensive holding. That would have given the Lions a first down, putting them near field-goal range.

Corey Fuller

News

In wideouts Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, the Lions feature one the best 1-2 punches in the league. But the Lions' website notes the team "is also very high on Corey Fuller and is hoping he takes the same big jump in his development from year two to three as he did from his rookie season to year two."

A 6-2, 200-pound former track star, Fuller caught 14 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown in limited work last year. The 24-year-old is in for a bigger role in 2015.

Joseph Fauria

News

Lions tight end Joseph Fauria, who went on injured reserve Dec. 10, is waiting for one more medical opinion before deciding whether to have surgery on his ankle, reports ESPN.com. Fauria said he should know in a week.

Ankle injuries limited Fauria to seven games. He caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown this season after catching seven touchdown passes as a rookie.

Fairley was deemed doubtful to play Sunday on the team's final injury report, while Warford had been ruled out for the Wild Card game. Travis Swanson will draw the start at guard in Warford's absence. The Lions had three players listed as probable to play and all are active.

Detroit is a 6-point underdog in Dallas for Sunday's playoff game.

Bill Bentley

News

The Lions confirmed cornerback Bill Bentley has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season, reports the Detroit Free Press. Bentley suffered the injury Monday against the Giants.

"Man, Calvin's a stud," Mayhew said this week at the NFL combine. "Calvin's a great player. He's a phenomenal player, you know? He has a very bright future -- and a very bright past, you know? -- and I plan on him being around for a very long time."

Johnson is due $12.5 million in 2015 with a cap hit of $20.5 million and $15.9 million in 2016 with a $24 million cap hit. He and Matthew Stafford account for much of the Lions' salary. With Johnson dealing with more and more injuries, Mayhew could cut ties with him at some point. But he doesn't see that happening anytime soon.

"Sometimes guys get injured. It's not a big concern for me," Mayhew said. "He's tough. He gets out there and he plays. There was one game this year -- Buffalo -- where he gutted it out. He got out there, and unfortunately, he got another shot in that game in exactly in the same spot. Which was unfortunate."

Ezekiel Ansah

News

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) is active for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the Cowboys after being listed as probable for the game on the team's final injury report.

Johnson was fully expected to be available and will serve as the team's top receiving threat in the playoff game. Defensive ends Ezekiel Ansah (toe) and Darryl Tapp (not injury related) are also active after being listed as probable to play. The Lions will be without two injured players Sunday: defensive tackle Nick Fairley and guard Larry Warford.

Fairley was deemed doubtful to play Sunday on the team's final injury report, while Warford had been ruled out for the Wild Card game. Travis Swanson will draw the start at guard in Warford's absence. The Lions had three players listed as probable to play and all are active.

Detroit is a 6-point underdog in Dallas for Sunday's playoff game.

Devin Taylor

News

Lions tight ends Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) are active for Sunday's game at Arizona after being listed as probable. Ebron returns after missing three straight games and will start in place of Brandon Pettigrew (foot). Fauria is back after missing six straight games.

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell, still upset about the pass-interference flag officials picked up in the fourth quarter of Sunday's playoff loss at Dallas, suggested video replay be used on critical calls like that one, reports the Columbus Dispatch.

"I think, without question, it was probably not officiated correctly in my estimation,” Caldwell said Monday. "Nevertheless, I do think in this day and age, with modern times where we have technology that can take out the human factor in certain key situations in big games, that we should use that technology to do so."

Detroit led 20-17 and had third-and-1 at the Cowboys' 46-yard line when linebacker Anthony Hitchens was called for pass interference against tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Officials reversed themselves and picked up the flag, prompting a Lions punt. Sam Martin shanked it, the Cowboys drove for a touchdown and held on to win 24-20.

"I'm angry about it, and trying to keep my composure here, but I'm probably angry for our team, and the fans," Caldwell said. "That's the thing that stirs your blood."

Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president for officiating, said Hitchens should have been penalized for defensive holding. That would have given the Lions a first down, putting them near field-goal range.

T.J. Jones

News

Lions rookie wideout T.J. Jones will stay on the PUP list for the rest of the season after his 21-day practice window expired Monday, reports the Detroit News. Jones was unable to make a full comeback from preseason shoulder surgery.

When asked specifically about the subject, Tate was clear about his thoughts.

"No, I don't think it adds any pressure," Tate said by phone Monday. "We just need to be who we are. We know that we have a lot of weapons all over the field. We just need to reach our potential each and every week.

"We just need to go out there and play fundamentally sound football and I have no doubt our defense is going to be really good again this year and we just got to do our jobs. There's no pressure on anyone but to be ourselves and to play good football."

Additionally, Tate recognizes that Suh was a game-changing player for the Lions, but he likes the addition of Haloti Ngata.

"Obviously, losing Suh is a big hit," Tate said. "I don't care what team you are, he's the guy that can change the game. Change an opposing offense's game plan. He affects the game so much. But with that being said, I'm thankful to have [had] the opportunity to play with him for a year and be a part of something special. But the show must go on.

"The guy we got, [Haloti] Ngata, is a heck of a player. I think it's a good pickup for us. I know he has a past with coach Caldwell so he knows the ins and outs of the system, probably. But we're ready to move forward. We can't live in the past and football season must still go on. We're preparing to have a great year and build from last year."

The 26-year-old stated that he plans on focusing on the intricacies of the offensive playbook heading into this season.

"One thing I really want to focus on is learning the playbook a little bit better," Tate said. "I felt like I knew it for the most part, but details, running the plays exactly how Joe Lombardi draws them up, could help us win more games and create more opportunities for myself and our team."

Tate finished his first season with the Lions catching 99 passes for 1,331 yards and four touchdowns.

Fairley was deemed doubtful to play Sunday on the team's final injury report, while Warford had been ruled out for the Wild Card game. Travis Swanson will draw the start at guard in Warford's absence. The Lions had three players listed as probable to play and all are active.

Detroit is a 6-point underdog in Dallas for Sunday's playoff game.

Stephen Tulloch

News

The Lions' Stephen Tulloch will start at middle linebacker again once he returns from the torn ACL he suffered Week 3 last year, reports MLive.com. "He's highly experienced and highly productive," coach Jim Caldwell told the website. "And he's a great leader."

Tulloch, 30, is progressing well in his rehab, the report said, but it's unclear when he'll return. Tulloch had 135 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2013, his last full season.

Tahir Whitehead likely will fill in until Tulloch returns. Whitehead had 86 tackles and two interceptions last year.

The Lions' Golden Tate was used strictly as a receiver during the regular season last year before returning a punt against the Cowboys in Detroit's playoff loss. Coach Jim Caldwell suggested Tate might get more opportunities as a punt returner in 2015.

"I suspect at some point in time he's going to play a role in that area for us," Caldwell told MLive.com.

Playing for Seattle in 2013, Tate had eight punt returns of at least 20 yards. Lions punt returner Jeremy Ross had just three such returns last season, and he fumbled four times.

Theo Riddick

News

The Lions might not have running back Joique Bell for Sunday's key game at Green Bay, reports MLive.com. Bell has been limited in practice this week with an Achilles injury, and coach Jim Caldwell said only, "We'll see," when asked about Bell's status.

Bell leads Detroit with 800 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns. He's averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry in four straight games, scoring five times in that span. If he can't play, Reggie Bush would start and Theo Riddick and George Winn would get increased snaps, the report said.

Detroit is a 7.5-point underdog in the game that will decide the division title.

Orlovsky will return to a backup role behind starter Matthew Stafford. Originally drafted by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2005 draft, Orlovsky has attempted 472 career passes. He's made 12 starts in his career, with seven coming for the Lions in 2008 and five for the Colts in 2011.

Ashlee Palmer

News

The Lions have cleared all their probables for their Sunday game against Chicago, including premier wideout Calvin Johnson (ankle). Among the other significant proables given the thumbs-up are linebacker Ashlee Palmer (quad) and guard Rob Sims (illness).

Eric Ebron

News

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew isn't down on tight end Eric Ebron, despite the rookie failing to meet expectations. Ebron caught 25 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown after being selected 10th overall.

“I think he dealt with some typical rookie issues in learning the offense,” Mayhew told the team's website. “I think he got a lot better as the season went on, even after the hamstring (which forced him to miss three games).

“It may have calmed him down a little bit and I think he played better later in the year. Certainly I would expect better production next year. He’s certainly capable, he certainly has the ability. I think he’s going to be better the second year in our offense. I think a lot of our players are going to be better the second year in our offense and think he’s one of them. I do expect more from him.”

The Lions selected Swanson in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Arkansas.

“I know that nothing’s guaranteed,” Swanson told the Lions' official website. “As far as my mindset, that wasn’t something I was going to think about. Yes, that’s how it looks on paper, but you can’t be settled on that, especially early in the year.”

Swanson did get some playing time this year at right guard due to an in-season injury to Larry Warford. Swanson started at center in the regular-season finale against Green Bay after Raiola was suspended for stomping on Bears defensive lineman Ego Ferguson's leg.

Fairley was deemed doubtful to play Sunday on the team's final injury report, while Warford had been ruled out for the Wild Card game. Travis Swanson will draw the start at guard in Warford's absence. The Lions had three players listed as probable to play and all are active.

Detroit is a 6-point underdog in Dallas for Sunday's playoff game.

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